Josh Bourke named as new Dragons coach

The Sandringham Dragons are pleased to announce Josh Bourke as our new U18 boys head coach heading into the 2019 season.

Bourke has worked in the Dandenong Stingrays’ coaching panel for the last five years and played an integral role in their 2018 TAC Cup premiership.

The primary school teacher and father of three previously coached at local clubs Cheltenham & Beaumaris, the U15 & U12 state schoolboys competition and in the AFL Victoria Young Guns program.

Bourke’s football journey has come full circle after representing the Dragons as a player in 2002-2003 and returning to lead the club as coach in 2019.

There were a number of strong candidates who were unlucky to miss out on the role but we thought Josh was a fantastic applicant and are thrilled to have him on board at Sandringham.

Bourke will take the reigns from departing coach Jeremy Barnard, who after six years of service to the club – including delivering the 2016 TAC Cup premiership – has taken the role as senior coach at East Perth in the WAFL.

Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor was thoroughly impressed with Bourke’s drive and commitment to football.

“He’s a young family man, a teacher and has a great rapport and energy about him,” O’Connor said.

“He’s very much a footy-head who’s interested in getting the best out of those around him and he’s passionate – you walk out of a room and you’re quite motivated by his enthusiasm, it’s contagious.”

O’Connor also noted how his background in education and development will hold him in good stead and be an invaluable asset for the club.

“I feel that he can be a really good coach not only for the players but also for our staff and other coaches and really bring a philosophy around growing the club,” O’Connor said.

“He’s quite progressive as a result of current teaching techniques – he’ll use a lot of current technology to get across his message, it’s fantastic to have someone with that skill set available to us.”

We welcome Josh and his family to the club and wish him all the best.